Letter to the Editor - December 15, 2022
Wed, 12/14/2022 - 10:04am
admin
BCSD superintendent firing
Mr. McQuillin talks about the leadership going in the wrong direction and the school board’s reaction is to remove Jackson their first week? Mr. McQuillin makes the statement in his defense “the public discussion of personnel matters is fraught with legal risks” but not following due process leads to liability also.
The request from BCSD for a subpoena for records in the case of the Stratford SRO was presented as stonewalling SLED. Asking for a subpoena protects your employees. Asking for a subpoena is one of the reasons for removing a superintendent?
As for the frayed relationship with DSS, in your 39 pages, Matthew Houck, the Assistant Attorney General states: “Despite this apparent disagreement, (between Dept. of Social Services and BCSD) it is this Office’s understanding that the Department (SLED) and the School district are operating with the best interests of children in mind. From this perspective, we hope that the parties can find a mutually agreeable solution.” Your disagreement with Mr. Jackson is procedural stuff. Hardly worth firing your top executive over.
Mr. Jackson had 16 months. Dr. Dixon, you appear to have 16 months to improve the district.
How can the school board rebound? Start by being transparent, listen to people and make your agenda about the needs of students. Abraham Lincoln on power: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Thanks Berkeley School Board! You have given the entire state an embarrassing look at your character.
William Keith Everett
Mount Pleasant
Disclosure: The letter writer is the future father-in-law of the paper’s editor.